LONDON: Alex Ferguson (pic) has set Manchester United’s record-chasing squad a target of 10 more wins to win the title.
That would give them a total of 84 which the Old Trafford boss is convinced would be enough to nick the title back off Chelsea.
It will be a tall order considering eight of those games are away – and United have won only three times on their travels this season.
But Ferguson said: “If we can do that then we’re in with a chance. Whether it’s winning at home or away, it’s about getting enough points to get over that line.
“I think 84 points would definitely win the title. I’m almost sure of that, so we’ve got another 30 points to find.” Our stats show United have hit that mark in 11 of their previous 18 seasons – and average just over 30.5 in their final 14 games.
Fergie has always dismissed the notion of being the new ‘Invincibles’ by going through the league season unbeaten.
But he has highlighted the characteristics which he feels have helped them go unbeaten since Chelsea won at Old Trafford back in April.
Gary Neville may have hung up his boots this week, but Fergie feels some of the defender’s qualities remain in the United dressing room.
He added: “The consistency we’ve shown in the past few months has been very good.
“That’s the thing that gives them the extra yard or belief in situations we’ve found ourselves in in the last couple of weeks.
“They trust each other. They look around the dressing-room and there are some good pros there.
“They see professionals who have been round the course many many times and we’re going to need that during the run-in.”
Meanwhile, Ferguson has expressed surprise at Patrice Evra’s omission from the France squad despite serving a five-match ban for last year’s World Cup strike.
Evra was surprisingly omitted from Laurent Blanc’s squad for next week’s friendly against Brazil, with the French coach insisting the reasons for the snub were “purely tactical.”
However Ferguson accused Blanc of subjecting the United defender to a double punishment.
“It is surprising he has been left out because he has been punished. I don’t see why he should be punished further,” Ferguson said.
“If they are saying he is not good enough to play for France then you cannot argue with that. But I know he is the best left-back France have got and one of the best in the world.
“There is no question in my mind about that. He is a fantastic footballer. He will be disappointed but he just has to accept it.”
The United boss also said that Blanc, as a former Manchester United player, should be aware of the high standards set by the club.
“Patrice Evra is a very important player for Manchester United and he will continue that way,” Ferguson said.
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